Abstract:

A digital telephony system which provides telephone services to a
plurality of subscribers. The system includes a private branch exchange
(PBX) which provides multiple analog telephone lines and includes an
interface to a data link. The multi-user system which provides telephone
services to subscribers not associated with the PBX, is connected to the
PBX by the analog telephone lines. A subscriber accesses the multi-user
system by initiating a connection to the multi-user system such as a
telephone connection or a message over a cellular network. The multi-user
system receives information regarding the telephone connection over the
data link thereby generating a call event; and triggers an action based
on the information received by synchronizing one of the analog lines to
the call event. Preferably the action includes intercepting, or call-back
actions, which provide the services to the external subscribers using
functionality available in the PBX.

Claims:

1. A digital telephony system which provides telephone services to a
plurality of subscribers, the system comprising:(a) a private branch
exchange (PBX) which provides a plurality of analog telephone
extensions;(b) a multi-user system which provides the telephone services
to the subscribers, wherein said multi-user system is operatively
connected to said PBX by said analog telephone extensions; wherein said
multi-user system includes an interface to at least one data link;wherein
at least one of said subscribers accesses said multi-user system by
initiating a connection to said multi-user system;wherein said multi-user
system receives information associated with said connection over said at
least one data link thereby generating a call event; andwherein said
multi user system triggers an action based on said information by
synchronizing one of the analog lines with said call event.

2. The system, according to claim 1, wherein at least one service of the
telephone services is selected from the group of consisting of call-back,
call-through, follow-me, call account services and recording services.

3. The system, according to claim 1, wherein said action is performed
using a functionality supported by said PBX.

4. The system, according to claim 1, wherein the subscribers include at
least one user of an external telephone network.

5. The system, according to claim 1, further comprising:(c) a recording
system operatively connected to at least one of said analog lines wherein
said action includes recording a telephone connection.

6. The system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one data link
is selected from the group consisting of: a data link through a local
area network, a serial data link, a data link to a cellular modem, and a
data link operatively attached to a digital telephone connection.

7. The system, according to claim 1, wherein said PBX is selected from the
group consisting of: a circuit switched PBX and a packet switched PBX.

8. A method which provides telephone services to a plurality of
subscribers, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a plurality
of analog telephone extensions connecting to a private branch exchange
(PBX);(b) operatively connecting a multi-user system to said PBX using
said plurality of analog telephone lines; wherein said multi-user system
includes an interface to at least one data link;(c) accessing said
multi-user system by a subscriber of said telephone services;(d)
receiving information associated with said subscriber over said at least
one data link thereby generating a call event; and(e) triggering an
action based on said information by synchronizing one of the analog lines
with said call event.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said accessing is performed by
initiating a telephone connection by said subscriber of the telephone
services by dialing a number selected from the group consisting of a
personalized direct- inward-dialing number and an access number of an
organization.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said accessing is performed
by initiating a telephone connection by said subscriber of the telephone
services by dialing a number associated with at least one of the
telephone services.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein said accessing is performed
by initiating a message directed to said multi-user system.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein said information is selected
from the group consisting of pre-connection information, information of
Dialed Number Identification Service, information of Automatic Number
Identification and identification information of a simple message
service.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein said accessing is performed
by initiating a telephone connection by said subscriber, wherein said
action further includes intercepting the telephone connection by said one
analog line.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein said action includes a
call-back call to said subscriber.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein said action includes
registering on an account for billing.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said billing is performed
using a call account system operatively connected to said PBX.

17. The method according to claim 8, wherein said action includes
recording by connecting a conference call between said subscriber, a
destination user and a recording device attached to said one analog line,
by utilizing a conference call function previously available in said PBX.

18. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of
optimizing performance of said multi-user system by transferring an
existing connection being handled by said one analog line thereby freeing
said one analog line for use by another subscriber, wherein said
transferring is performed by utilizing a call transfer feature of said
PBX.

19. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of
optimizing performance of said multi-user system by routing an existing
connection using Least Cost Routing (LCR) software of said PBX.

20. The method according to claim 8, wherein said at least one data link
is a plurality of extensions defined as a hunt group, wherein said
accessing is performed by initiating a connection to one of said
extensions, wherein upon said one extension is busy, said action is
performed using another extension of said hunt group.

[0002]Due to the onset over the past decade of a world-wide global
village, and the explosive expansion of the cellular networks, the
percentage of the total budget of communications expenses within
organizations has increased significantly. The increase in communications
expenses requires organizations to manage and control these expenses on
the one hand, and lower the per-minute cost on the other hand, thus
reducing the total communications expenses. Communications expenses
typically include two major segments, fixed-line expenses and cellular
phone expenses. In order to control the expenses in the fixed-line
segment, organizations are using various software tools such as Call
Account systems, and Least Cost Routing (LCR) software. In addition,
hardware solutions, such as VoIP Gateways, Cellular Adaptors, dedicated
lease lines, IP-PBX, etc., are being used to reduce the costs of the
calls and data transfer. The solutions used to manage and control the
fixed-line expenses are not applicable to the cellular phone expenses
since the cellular networks are independent and are not connected to the
organizations' PBX. Furthermore, there are no equivalent systems that
enable organizations to manage and control the use of cellular phones.
Organizations are therefore suffering from two major problems: Lack of
control over the usage of cellular phones within the organization, and
high per-minute cellular phone costs in local and international calls.

[0003]Current solutions for management and control of cellular usage are
limited to off-line analysis of cellular bills or to setting a monthly
fixed cellular phone calls budget for each employee. Both methods are not
ideal since the analysis is performed after the expense has been incurred
and the analysis is time consuming for both the management and employees.
On the per-minute cost-saving front, there are several solutions such as
callback services and calling cards that are being offered by service
bureaus and cellular operators, however these solutions are not
user-friendly, not comprehensive, and are still relatively expensive.

[0004]In some market segments the on-line monitoring, billing and
recording of phone calls are required. Existing solutions for monitoring
and recording phone calls force organization employees to use only fixed
line infrastructure connected with the PBX of the organization and
doesn't support the use of mobile phones.

[0005]Recording is popular in finance industry (e.g. investment banking,
retail banking and stock exchange market) where all incoming and outgoing
customers' calls are recorded. Mobile calls (e.g. cellular) are not
typically included in recording systems today of financial institutions
because the cellular telephone network is external to the PBX of the
financial institution.

[0006]Legal advisors and accountant firms usually bill clients for
telephone call consultancies. Existing billing systems can only charge
calls made through the office PBX and do not support cellular or other
external calls, e.g. voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

[0007]There is thus a need for, and it would be highly advantageous to
have a telephony system which provides a comprehensive solution to
include management of external telephone calls including, billing and
recording of external (e.g. cellular telephone calls.

[0008]Integration of telecommunications equipment with data processing
equipment provides powerful tools that coordinate advanced features of
digital telephony with computer processing power. For example, callback
and call-through systems providing advanced call control and data
processing capabilities are available for multiple subscribers based on
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems that are integrated into PBX
systems through an ISDN line or X.25 (T1/E1) line.

[0009]Reference is now made to FIG. 1 illustrating a prior art callback
and call-through system 10 for a multi-user environment. System 10
performs telecommunications functions such as conference calls, which
include establishing circuit connections between a user or subscriber 113
and a destination 115 either through PBX 105 over line 119 or directly
through PSTN 103. System 10 is based on IVR server 101 integrated with
PBX system 105 through an ISDN line or X.25 (T1/E1) line 107, and
connects PBX 105 to telephone network PSTN 103 providing call control and
data processing capabilities. System 10 includes a recording system 121,
either as a separate system connected to PBX 105 by a communications port
125a or integrated within PBX 105 which records telephone calls of one or
more telephone extensions of PBX 105. System 10 further includes a call
account or billing system 123 which receives Call Detail Records (CDR)
over for instance communications port 125b. CDR includes information,
e.g. Account-code or Authorization-code information regarding account
information for traffic through PBX 105.

[0010]Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) is a service sold by
telecommunications companies to corporate clients that lets them
determine for example which toll-free number was dialed by a customer
113. DNIS is useful in determining how to answer an inbound call.

[0011]Automatic number identification is a feature of Inward WATS Service
(Wide Area Telephone Service) which permits subscribers to display or
capture the telephone numbers of calling parties. ANI service was created
by AT&T for internal long-distance billing purposes. Inward WATS Service
is purchased by customers so that other telephone users (for example,
prospective customers) can call the number toll free.

[0012]Prior art IVR servers 101 run applications that detect incoming
telephone calls, get pre-connection information from PBX 105 (such as ANI
or DNIS information of the incoming call), and pass the information to a
computer database application program that employs the information (ANI
and DNIS) as an entry point to the database. From the database, IVR
server 101 can collect relevant information about caller 113 and then
initiate the requested action such as callback or call-through. Prior art
IVR servers 101 implementing callback or call-through routing require two
voice channels either while connecting subscriber 113 (incoming call) to
destination 115 (outgoing call) or while initiating a callback action
(1st outgoing call) and then connecting subscriber 113 to destination 115
required (2nd outgoing call). A single E1 line for instance includes 30
lines enabling fifteen simultaneous calls, and if more then fifteen calls
are required at the same time an additional E1 card needs to be added.

[0013]Interface 107 between the PBX 105 and server 101 establishes a
physical and logical connection, which is required for the operation of
system 10. IVR server 101 communicates with PBX 105 through a format
suitable for transmission over data channel 107, such as the ISDN line or
X.25 (T1/E1) line. Through its interface card, PBX system 105 receives
commands and performs functions as dictated. PBX 10 then transmits status
messages back to IVR server 101.

[0014]Although system 10 works to integrate data processing equipment with
telecommunications equipment, the integration through the physical and
logical connections 107 is often perplexing and difficult to create and
maintain. Most PBX 105 architectures are proprietary; therefore physical
connection 107 between IVR server 101 and PBX 105 differs depending on
the vendor. For example, an Ethernet port, such as the one found on the
NEAX 2000 (NEC America, Irving, Tex., US ), will be different from the
ISDN BRI link employed by AT&T's Definity system. Computer network
managers that have to integrate PBX 105 into the local area network often
find the link between the server and PBX 105 to be both cumbersome and
unreliable.

[0015]Nevertheless the integration of systems 10 for callback or
call-through routing into PBX 105 requires massive infrastructure (ISDN
or X.25 interfaces) that can grow depending on system traffic statistics.

[0018]The terms "traditional PBX" and "circuit switched" PBX are used
herein interchangeably. The term "IP PBX" is an example of a "packet
switched PBX" which provides telephone services using an Internet
protocol. The terms "line" and "extension" as in "analog line and "analog
extension" are used herein interchangeably. The term "external network"
refers to a communications network connected to the PBX so a service
supported by the PBX to local users of the PBX is unavailable to remote
users. Examples of "external networks" are PSTN, cellular networks or a
data network (e.g. providing telephone services over Internet). An
"external user" is connected to the PBX via an external network. The
terms "remote" and "external" as in "remote user" and "external user" are
used herein interchangeably. The term "initiate" as in "initiate a
connection", or "initiate a telephone connection" does not necessarily
establish a telephone connection but is sufficient to transfer
pre-connection information. The "previously" as in "previously" available
refers to using functionality which is available or supported, such as by
PBX 105 and other prior art systems integrated with PBX 105, prior to
implementing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]According to the present invention there is provided a digital
telephony system which provides telephone services to a plurality of
subscribers. The system includes a private branch exchange (PBX) which
provides multiple analog telephone lines. The multi-user system which
provides the telephone services to the subscribers, is connected to the
PBX by the analog telephone lines and by a data link. A subscriber
accesses the multi-user system by initiating a connection to the
multi-user system such as a telephone connection or a message over a
cellular network. The multi-user system receives information regarding
the connection over the data link thereby generating a call event. An
action, including either an intercept or call-back action, is triggered
based on the information by synchronizing one of the analog lines to the
call event. Preferably, the telephone services include call-back,
call-through, follow-me, call account services and recording services.
Preferably, the action is performed by using a functionality previously
supported by the PBX. Preferably, the subscribers include users of an
external telephone network. Preferably, the system further includes a
recording system connected to one or more analog lines, and the action
includes recording a telephone connection. Preferably, the data link is a
data link through a local area network, a serial data link, a data link
to a cellular modem, and/or a data link operatively attached to a digital
telephone connection. Preferably, the PBX is selected a circuit switched
PBX or a packet switched PBX.

[0020]According to the present invention there is provided a method which
provided telephone services to multiple subscribers. A multi-user system
is connected to a private branch exchange (PBX) using analog telephone
lines. The multi-user system includes an interface to one or more data
links. A subscriber accesses the multi-user system and the multi-user
system receives receiving information associated with the subscriber over
one of the data links thereby generating a call event. The multi-user
system triggers an action based on the information by synchronizing one
of the analog lines with the call event. Preferably, the subscriber
accesses the multiuser system by initiating a telephone connection by
dialing a number such as a personalized direct-inward-dialing number or
an access number of an organization, or initiating a message, e.g. SMS
directed to the multi-user system. Preferably, the information is
pre-connection information such as Dialed Number Identification Service
information, Automatic Number Identification information or
identification information of a simple message service. Preferably, the
accessing is performed by initiating a telephone connection by the
subscriber, and the action further includes intercepting the telephone
connection by the one analog line. Alternatively, the action includes a
call-back call to said subscriber. The action may include registering on
an account for billing and the billing is performed using a call account
system connected to the PBX. The action may include action include
recording by connecting a conference call between the subscriber, a
destination user and a recording device attached to the one analog line,
by utilizing a conference call function previously available in the PBX.
Preferably, the method includes optimizing performance of the multi-user
system by transferring an existing connection being handled by the one
analog line thereby freeing the one analog line for use by another
subscriber, and the transferring is performed by utilizing a call
transfer feature of the PBX. Preferably, the step of optimizing
performance of the multi-user system by routing an existing connection
using Least Cost Routing (LCR) software of said PBX. Preferably, the data
links included extensions defined as a hunt group, and the accessing is
performed by initiating a connection to one of the extensions. When said
one extension is busy, the action is performed using another extension of
said hunt group.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a prior art drawing of a conventional telephony systems;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a telephony system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a simplified flow diagram of a method, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025]FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a telephony system,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026]The present invention is of a system and method for providing
telephone services to external subscribers of the system including
callback, call-through and follow-me implementations available in prior
art PBX systems

[0027]The principles and operation of a system and method of providing
telephone services, according to the present invention, may be better
understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying
description.

[0028]It should be noted, that although the discussion herein relates to
providing telephony services to cellular telephone users the present
invention may, by non-limiting example, alternatively be configured as
well using other subscribers using other external networks such as a data
network

[0029]Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the
details of design and the arrangement of the components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should
not be regarded as limiting.

[0030]By way of introduction, embodiments of the present invention provide
seamless integration into a business Private Branch Exchange (PBX) via
analog (e.g POTS) extensions and a standard data link either through a
communication-port or Local Area Network (LAN) 109 connection, Moreover,
embodiments of the present invention require minimal infrastructure and
interface easily with a traditional or IP PBX in a simple and innovative
way and provide a smart, powerful, easy-to-use and secure routing
solutions for remote users 113. The system is capable of using any
sophisticated communications systems, previously integrated with PBX 105,
including voice over IP (VoIP) gateways, cellular (e.g. GSM Adaptors),
X.25 (T1/E1) lines connected to the PSTN 103, billing and call account
systems, and recording systems.

[0031]According to embodiments of the present invention pre-connection
information is typically received from PBX 105 such as the Dialed Number
Identification System (DNIS) information, and/or Automatic Number
Identification (ANI) information. DNIS and ANI are automatically provided
by Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 103 to the organization's PBX
105 with an incoming call. The information is received from PBX 105 to a
system of the present invention over a standard data interface preferably
provided by the PBX 105 vendor. The information when received generates a
call event. A particular intention of embodiments of the present
invention is to provide a simple way to synchronize the call event based
on the received pre-connection information (e.g. ANI and DNIS) by
handling the call event using analog extension integrated with PBX 105.
Typically, the analog extension synchronizes with the call event and
performs an action, e.g. a call intercept using intercept functionality
available in PBX 105. Once synchronized with the call event, only one
analog line handles the call event and other analog lines are locked or
prevented from handling the call event.

[0032]Accordingly, an intention of embodiments of present invention is to
provide an innovative multi-user telephony routing system for callback,
call-through and follow-me actions, based on existing standard interfaces
with PBX 105 such as data links and analog extensions and not using more
complicated digital interfaces 107 that exist, such as an ISDN line or
X.25 (T1/E1) line.

[0033]An additional intention of embodiments of the present invention is
to provide a multi-user telephony routing system for callback,
call-through and follow-me actions that integrates with both traditional
PBX 105 and IP PBX 105.

[0034]Another intention of embodiments of the present invention is to
utilize prior art recording systems 121 integrated with PBX 105 by
providing a simple interface to record telephone calls of remote users
113.

[0035]Another intention of embodiments of the present invention is to
utilize prior art call account or billing systems 123 integrated with PBX
105 by providing a simple interface with PBX 105 previously integrated
with billing system

[0036]Reference is now made to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively a system
block diagram 20 and a flow diagram 30 of a method, according to
embodiments of the present invention. System 20 includes a multiuser
system 201 connected to PBX 105 through one or more standard digital
interfaces 207 and/or 209 and/or 207b, e.g RS-232, and analog (POTS)
telephone lines 205. A remote user 113, e.g. cellular user 113, triggers
(step 301) multiuser system 201 (MUS), according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The call event triggered by remote user 113 depend on
the call action requested (e.g. callback or call-through or follow-me).

[0037]According to embodiments of the present invention MUS 201 may be
triggered (step 301) by a remote user 113 by calling a
Direct-Inward-Dialing (DID) number. For instance a personalized DID
number is directed by PBX 105 to MUS 201. Remote user 113 hangs up
without generally completing a connection. In this case, system 201
identifies (step 303) the DNIS information supplied by digital PBX 105
with the incoming call via data link interface 207 or alternatively
through communication-port 209 from LAN 109.

[0038]Typically, in this embodiment in which DNIS information is used, ANI
information is not delivered by PSTN 103 to digital PBX 105. The use of
DNIS information is typically used when ANI information of the caller is
unavailable, and consequently DNIS information provides which user
requires a call-back action. In case ANI information is delivered by PSTN
103 to PBX 105, MUS 201 can authenticate user 113 using automatic number
identification ANI information.

[0039]If both ANI and DNIS information is available to MUS 201, then MUS
20 based on DID information can determine the service required (e.g.
follow-me, DID callback or call-through) and based on ANI information MUS
201 can identify remote user 113 for other purposes such as automatic
billing. MUS 201 employs the DNIS and/or ANI information as an entry
point to a database to inquire which remote user 113 requested action,
e.g. follow-me.

[0040]According to embodiments of the present invention MUS 201 may be
triggered (step 301) by user 113 calling an access number at the
organization. In case ANI information is delivered by PSTN 103 to digital
PBX 105, MUS 201 can authenticate user 113 by calling user 113 using
automatic number identification (ANI). Digital PBX 105 supplies the ANI
information to MUS 201 with the incoming call via data link interface 207
or alternatively through communication-port 209 with or without LAN 109.
MUS 201 employs the ANI information as an entry point to the database to
inquire which user 113 is requesting an action and which action is
requested.

[0041]According to embodiments of the present invention MUS 201 may be
triggered (step 301) by user 113 by sending a message, e.g by an SMS
message user 113 to MUS 201, for instance using a cellular modem 203
connected to MUS 201 over data link 207b. In this case MUS 201 identifies
the SMS-ID information received by cellular network 111. MUS 201 using
standard cellular modem 203 employs the SMS-ID information as an entry
point to the database to inquire which user 113 is requesting the
"Callback" action.

Data Link Connection 207 in Traditional PBX 105:

[0042]The pre-connection information or the SMS-ID is available through
one or more each of standard data link connections 207 or 209 to the PBX,
cellular modem 203 through 207b, or through any other equipment which
enable getting (step 303) pre-connection information with an incoming
call or SMS received.

[0043]Reference is now also made to FIG. 4 which illustrates an embodiment
40 of the present invention using a traditional digital PBX 105. In
embodiments of the present invention, Direct-Inward-Dialing (DID) numbers
dedicated to MUS 201 operation (e.g. callback, call-through and/or
follow-me) are routed automatically through PBX 105 and through a digital
extension 405 to which a digital telephone 403 is connected by an
interface 401 completing data link 207. Alternatively, interface 401
connects to a serial interface, e.g. USB, RS232, attached to digital
extension 405 which connects to a similar interface on MUS 201.

[0044]According to embodiments of the present invention, a hunt group is
defined as a feature in PBX 105 on multiple digital extensions 405.
Multiple digital extensions 405 are connected each to digital telephone
403 with data link interface 401, which connects to a corresponding
communications port, e.g. USB, of system MUS 201. If during the
authentication procedure, digital extension 405 is busy, then another
digital extension 405 defined in the hunt group will start ringing, and
the authentication procedure will be triggered by the other extension
405. In the case of an intercept action, analog line 205 intercepts the
incoming call from the other digital extension 405 based on an intercept
code received in the action.

[0045]In a traditional PBX 105 data link 207 physical interface is
generally based on a digital telephone, or a Computer Telephony Interface
(CTI) adapter 401 or any other adapter such as RS232-adapter, USB-adapter
available to receive (step 303) the pre-connection information data. In
some traditional PBXs 105, the PBX vendor also supplies a TAPI (1st
party) Service Provider (TSP) software package that enables getting (step
303) the ANI and/or DNIS information of the incoming call using for
instance standard Microsoft TAPI software interface. In some traditional
PBXs 105 the data link 207 physical interface is based on direct
connection to the PBX 105 communications port (which is usually used for
call account systems requiring Call Detail Records (CDR) from the PBX
105). In other traditional PBXs 105, data link physical interface 207 is
based on a Local Area Network (LAN) connection 117 to PBX 105.

[0046]According to some embodiments of the present invention, DID numbers
dedicated to MUS 201 operation are routed automatically through PBX 105
to a Ring-Indicator extension. The Ring-Indicator extension is an analog
extension 205 connected to MUS 201. The ring indicator extension is used
as a trigger (step 301) initiating MUS 201 to request the pre-connection
information on the incoming call using either the communication port or
LAN connection 207. In some PBXs 105, data link 207 physical interface is
based either on direct connection to PBX 105 communication port 125 In
this case, MUS 201 usually uses PBX 105 trace command on the
Ring-Indicator extension (through the communication port) to get (step
303) the pre-connection information. In case of `intercept type` actions,
analog ports 205 are responsible for handling the actions triggered by
using the interception functionality of PBX 105. An available analog port
105, responsible for handling the action, intercepts the call from the
`Ring-Indicator` extension ringing after the end of authentication, which
includes getting (step 303) the pre connection information data from PBX
105 using data link 207 connected. Analog ports 205 are responsible to
connect the remote users 113 to the destination 115 requested using the
PBX functionality (transfer or conference call features).

Data Link Connection 207 in IP PBX 105:

[0047]MUS 201 can be connected to multiple data links 207,207b, 209 or as
many as necessary of each type link to achieve capacity to be able to
authenticate multiple users 113 at the same time.

[0048]According to some embodiments of the present invention when using an
IP PBX 105, IP PBX 105 is connected to PSTN 103 through digital line 119
(e.g ISDN lines or X.25 T1/E1). DID numbers dedicated to MUS 201
operation (e.g. callback call-through and/or follow-me) are routed
automatically through the IP PBX 105 to an IP Soft-Phone other IP
telephone. A soft phone is basically a virtual IP telephone installed on
a standard personal computer of a subscriber and can be used as a dialer
allowing the subscriber to get and make calls through the personal
computer. The soft phone general user interface (GUI) creates an exact
simulation of a standard IP telephone. The soft phone is connected to IP
PBX 105 through the PC LAN connection 117. Generally, in IP PBX 105, data
link 207 physical interface is based on LAN connection 117 and TAPI
Service Provider (TSP) software package, supplied by PBX 105 vendor and
is usually used as an interface to a standard soft phone installed on a
standard PC. Through the TSP interface MUS 201 can get (step 303) the ANI
and/or DNIS information of the incoming call using a standard Microsoft
TAPI interface.

[0049]In some embodiments of the present invention, data link connection
207b to a cellular modem 203 enables getting (step 303) pre-connection
information such as SMS-ID through standard RS232 output and/or USB
output. Cellular Modem 203 vendors supply standard API (usually using AT
commands) to be able to communicate and negotiate with Cellular Modem
203, and get (step 303) the required information. Cellular modem 203
interface can be easily implemented for ANI or SMS callback actions. When
requesting call-through capabilities using cellular modem 203 it is
required to use cellular network 111 services to route the incoming call
to the PBX 105 extension and still be able to get the ANI information
(step 303). Step 303 may be performed using cellular network 111 "Double
Ring" service. This service enables defining an alternative land-line
telephone number (e.g. DID number), which is going to ring simultaneously
with the telephone dialed. The first one which answers, is going to be
connected. Alternatively step 303 may be performed using the cellular
network 111 "Follow Me" service (on busy state). Follow me service
enables defining an alternate landline telephone number to which the
incoming call will be forwarded on busy state. By using one of cellular
network 111 services described ("Double Ring" or "Follow Me") the MUS 201
is capable of getting (step 303) the ANI information and still be able to
access the incoming call using existing PBX 105 functionality through
analog extensions 205.

[0050]Reference is now made again to FIG. 2 which illustrates a recording
system 121, attached to analog extension 205 and further attached by a
data connection 213 to PBX 105, and operative according to an embodiment
of the present invention. Prior art recording systems are generally based
on the ability to record phone calls by sampling the required extensions
on PBX 105 and enable access and retrieval of the required audio
recording. MUS 201 recording, which integrates with recording systems 121
already integrated with PBX 105, is based on the ability of existing
recording system 121 to record analog ports and the ability of existing
recording system 121 to receive Call Detail Records (CDR) from PBX 105
through data connection 125a. In order to enable access and retrieval of
a required audio recording of a call routed by MUS 201, MUS 201 can
register the call made automatically on the remote user account using
Account-code or Authorization-code. Most PBXs 105 support Account-code
and/or Authorization-Code when using analog extension 205 by sending a
Dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) stream (prefix) before the telephone
number dialed.

[0051]Referring back to FIG. 3, flow diagram 30, MUS 201 triggers (step
305) an event to perform the requested action based on the pre connection
information received (step 303) (ANI and/or DNIS information) or the
SMS-ID with the incoming call or SMS received. MUS 201 employs the
pre-connection information (ANI and/or DNIS information) received (step
303) with the incoming call and/or the SMS-ID as an entry point to the
database to be able to decide which action should be taken to handle the
current caller 113 (or subscriber 113).

The Actions:

Authorized DNIS Callback User Action:

[0052]MUS 201 checks in its database if the DNIS information received
(step 303) designates a DNIS Callback. If so, MUS 201 checks in its
database if the DNIS information received (step 303) requires recording
capabilities. If so, MUS 201 checks if the Direct Inward Dialing (DID)
number received is attached to any active user. If so, MUS 201 checks if
the ANI information received (step 303) is valid for DNIS Callback usage.
If so, MUS 201 triggers 305 an Authorized DNIS Callback User action.

Authorized ANI Call-Through User Section, Call-Back User Action:

[0053]MUS 201 checks in its database if the DNIS information received
(step 303) is designated for ANI Call-through usage. If so, MUS 201
checks in its database if the DNIS information received (step 303)
requires recording capabilities. If so, MUS 201 checks if the ANI
information received (step 303) belongs to any active user 113 in the
system. If so, MUS 201 checks in its database which type of action is
requested: ANI Call-through or ANI Callback. If action type requested is
ANI Call-through, the system triggers an Authorized ANI Call-through User
action. If action type requested is ANI Callback, MUS 201 triggers an
Authorized ANI Callback User action.

Authorized SMS Callback User Action,

[0054]MUS 201 checks if the SMS-ID information received (step 303) belong
to any active user 113 in the system. If so, MUS 201 triggers an
Authorized SMS Callback User action.

Follow-Me Action,

[0055]MUS 201 authenticates user 113 calling using automatic number
identification (ANI) information and identifies the DNIS information
supplied by the digital PBX 105. MUS 201 checks in its database if the
DNIS information received (step 303) is designated for follow-me usage.
Each DID number is related to specific remote telephone number to which
the call will be forwarded automatically by MUS 201. If so, MUS 201
checks in its database if the DNIS information received (step 303)
requires recording capabilities. If so, MUS 201 checks if the ANI
information received (step 303) belongs to any designated account in the
system as required for billing purposes. MUS 201 triggers a Follow-me
action.

Un Authorized User Action Description:

[0056]In most cases when the pre-connection information (ANI and/or DNIS)
received (step 303) with the incoming call and/or the SMS-ID does not
match the characteristics required for any active user 113, MUS 201
triggers an Unauthorized User action. In some cases MUS 201 ignores the
request and does not trigger any action at all.

[0057]Referring back to FIG. 3, MUS 201 system synchronizes (step 307) the
pre-connection information (ANI and/or DNIS) with the incoming call or
the SMS-ID information by handling over analog line 205. A
synchronization module (not shown) in MUS 201 is responsible for
synchronizing (step 307) the pre-connection information (ANI and/or DNIS)
with the incoming call or the SMS-ID information with an analog port of
MUS 201 handling the action. The moment an action is triggered (step
305), one of the available system analog ports 205 acquires the action
and locks the action from being handled by another analog port 205. The
moment the action is locked, only port 205 that can handle that action is
the port 205 acquiring the action. If the action requires recording
capabilities, the action will be handled by analog port 205 with
recording capability. The recording capability is typically handled by an
existing recording system already integrated with PBX 105. Alternatively,
a recording system may be integrated with one or more analog ports 205 of
MUS 201.

[0058]Each action has a type tag defining the way the synchronization 307
is done. Basically, there are two different ways to synchronize 307 the
pre-connection information or the SMS-ID over analog port 205 of MUS 201
handling the action.

[0060]Callback action--Calling back the authorized user 113 designated by
the pre-connection information or the SMS-ID via analog port 205 handling
the action.

Call Interception Procedure:

[0061]Remote user 113 triggers (step 301) MUS 201 by calling an access
number. MUS 201 analyzes the pre-connection information (ANI and/or DNIS)
received (step 303) with the incoming call using standard data link
connection 207 or 207b or 209. An action is triggered (step 305) and
handled by one of available analog ports 205. In case of intercept type
action, analog port 205 handling the action should intercept the incoming
call. The fact that analog port 205 is connected to PBX 105 through a
simple analog extension enables the port 205 to use existing
functionality of PBX 105 in order to intercept the incoming call from the
extension ringing. A call interception feature of PBX 105 using analog
lines 205 works by picking up analog line 205, changing status of analog
line 205 into off-hook position and sending required DTMF stream (call
interception feature code). In some PBXs 105 the call interception code
is relevant only to the pickup group members defined in PBX 105. This
means that only an analog extension 205, which is part of the pickup
group, can intercept a call from the other members of the group using the
call interception code. In some PBXs 105 the call interception code is
configured of a feature code and the extension number (from which the
call is being intercepted). Basically, after the call interception is
done, analog port 205 carrying the incoming call is synchronized (step
307) with the pre-connection information. This enables analog port 205 to
handle the action as required.

Callback Procedure Description:

[0062]Remote user 113 triggers (step 301) MUS 201 by calling a DID number
or sending an SMS. MUS 201 receives (step 303) and analyzes the
pre-connection information (ANI and/or DNIS) received with the incoming
call or the SMS-ID information using standard data link connection. An
action is triggered (step 305) and handled by one of the available system
analog ports 205. If the action requires recording capabilities, the
action will be handled by recorded analog port 205. The recording
capability can be handled by the existing recording system already
integrated with PBX 105. In case of callback type action the system
analog port 205 handling the action should call back the remote user 113
asking for action. The fact that analog port 205 is connected to PBX 105
through a simple analog extension enables the port 205 to use
functionality of PBX 105 in order to call back remote user 113 through
analog extension 205. MUS 201 using PBX 105 functionality when calling
back remote user 113 has the following advantages: PBX 105 typically
includes Least Cost Routing (LCR) software which automatically redirects
the call back through the cheapest way available (e.g. cellular gateways,
VoIP routers etc.). The callback call is registered automatically on the
user account for billing purposes using Account-Code or
Authorization-Code to billing system 123. PBX 105 can designate the
account that should be charged for this call. This advantage enables
track of calls made by each user 113 using MUS 201 through the existing
call account system 123 already integrated with PBX 105. Basically, when
calling back remote user 113 asking for the action, analog port 205
carrying the call is already synchronized (step 307) with the
pre-connection information.

[0064]Referring back to FIG. 3, MUS 201 optimizes (step 309) performance
while connecting the remote user 113 to a destination 115 required
through the PBX 105. After synchronizing (step 307) the pre-connection
information or the SMS-ID over the system analog port 205.

[0065]In the case `callback` or `call through` action types, an authorized
remote user 113 gets an instruction to enter the telephone number
requested. User 113 instructs MUS 201 (for example by sending a DTMF
stream) to which destination 115 to be connected. MUS 201 connects user
113 to destination 115 requested through the same analog extension 205
using existing functionality of PBX 105.

[0066]In the case of `follow-me` action type, MUS 201 forwards user 113
calling automatically to the required subscriber (designated by the DID
number called) via PBX 105 through analog extension 205. MUS 201 either
hangs up after the action is complete, releasing analog port 205 to be
used by another potential user 113 or stays on the line during the whole
session due to for instance a requirement of recording system 121.

[0068]There are different ways to use functionality of PBX 105 to connect
remote user 113 to destination 115 using the same analog extension 205
by: using PBX 105 "Call-Transfer" feature or using PBX 105
"Conference-Call" feature.

[0069]One of the most powerful advantages of embodiments of the present
invention is the ability to route remote user 113 to destination 115
requested, but still supporting other users 113 requesting for callback,
call-through and follow-me actions. By using the "Call-Transfer" feature
to route remote user 113 to destination 115 requested, port 205 which
handles the action disconnects and is ready for service as soon as the
transfer action is done. In this case PBX 105 holds the call using
trunk-to-trunk connectivity. Using the "Call-Transfer" feature increases
system efficiency, necessary for multi-user environment and automatically
minimizes system resources (e.g. number of analog ports 205) required to
handle traffic demands. Furthermore, using the "Call-Transfer" feature
MUS 201 automatically takes advantage of digital disconnect control
mechanism of a digital PBX (comparing to other analog solutions).

[0070]The ability to use the PBX conference feature through single analog
extension 205 to connect remote user 205 to destination 115 requested is
a powerful advantage of embodiments of the present invention. By using
the conference feature and not requiring self conference capabilities,
MUS 201 automatically decreases the number of resources (ports) required
by half, increasing system efficiency.

[0071]If the action requires recording, PBX 105 allows recording through
single analog extension 205 by using a conference feature, typically
available as a feature in PBX 105 to connect remote user 113 to requested
destination 115 along with analog port 205 handling the action. Analog
port 205 while being recorded is occupied during the entire call and is
ready for further services when the current call terminates. In this case
PBX 105 is holding the call by creating a three-way conference call which
members are handling port 205, remote user 113 and destination 115. In
addition the ability to stay on the line during the entire call enables
MUS 201 to provide self-call account reporting, prepaid and
self-recording capabilities.

[0072]Furthermore, by using "Call-Transfer" feature of PBX 105, MUS 201
optimizes performance. MUS 201 using the capabilities of PBX 105 when
connecting remote user 113 to destination 115 enables additional
advantages including using Least Cost Routing (LCR) software of PBX 105,
which automatically redirects the call through the cheapest way available
(cellular gateways, VoIP routers etc.), and registering the call
automatically on the remote user account for billing purposes. When using
the PBX "Call-Transfer" feature to connect user 113 to the requested
destination 115, MUS 201 takes advantage of digital disconnect control
mechanism of a digital PBX 205 thereby enhancing system performances.

[0073]Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact design and operation shown and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents
may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention.

[0074]While the invention has been described with respect to a limited
number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations,
modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.